Name: Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts: Comfort in a Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: french
Ingredients: 1 medium celeriac (celery root), peeled and diced; 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth); 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme); Salt and pepper to taste; 4 slices crusty bread (such as sourdough or baguette); 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

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There’s something magical about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, especially when it’s as comforting and elegant as this Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts. Imagine the earthy, slightly nutty flavor of celeriac paired with the gentle sweetness of leeks, all simmered together into a silky, velvety soup. And just when you think it can’t get any better, it’s topped with crispy, cheesy Gruyère toasts infused with the fragrant aroma of thyme. Trust me, this soup is everything you need to feel cozy and nourished.

Why You’ll Love Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts

This soup isn’t just about filling up—it’s about indulging in the kind of flavors that make you feel pampered with every spoonful. Here’s why it’s bound to be your next go-to recipe:

Hearty & Nutritious

Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a powerhouse of flavor and nutrients. Combined with leeks, this soup is full of vitamins and antioxidants, making it the perfect feel-good meal. It’s both hearty and light, filling without feeling heavy.

Elegant Yet Simple

The ingredients are humble, but the result is absolutely elegant. With just a few simple vegetables and a few flavorful seasonings, you’ll have a soup that tastes like it came from a high-end bistro.

Warm & Cozy

On a cold winter day, nothing beats a warm bowl of soup to lift your spirits. This soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for when you want something soothing and satisfying.

The Perfect Pairing

The thyme and Gruyère toasts add a touch of sophistication, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Crispy, cheesy toasts with a hint of thyme make every bite of soup feel like a treat.

Vegetarian & Versatile

This soup is naturally vegetarian, and it’s easy to make vegan with just a few simple swaps. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as it keeps well in the fridge for days and can be frozen for future cozy meals.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts:

Celeriac

This root vegetable is earthy, slightly nutty, and adds a depth of flavor that makes this soup feel rich and satisfying.

Leeks

Leeks are sweet and mild, with a gentle onion flavor that pairs beautifully with the celeriac.

Vegetable Broth

A good vegetable broth will add richness to the soup without overpowering the delicate flavors of the leeks and celeriac.

Garlic

A couple of cloves of garlic bring that savory foundation that every great soup needs.

Fresh Thyme

Thyme is the perfect herb to complement the earthy flavors in this soup. It adds a lovely fragrance and depth.

Cream (Optional)

For extra creaminess, a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream can turn this soup into a velvety masterpiece.

Gruyère Cheese

The perfect cheese for toasts—Gruyère melts beautifully and has a slightly nutty, salty flavor that enhances the soup.

Bread

Any crusty bread will do, but a hearty sourdough or baguette is ideal for making those crunchy, cheesy toasts.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Let’s dive in and create this warm, comforting Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts!

Prepare the Veggies

Start by peeling and chopping the celeriac and leeks. Cut the celeriac into cubes and slice the leeks into rings, then give them a good rinse to remove any grit. Set them aside and get ready to bring this soup to life.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes. The sweet smell of the leeks and garlic will start to fill your kitchen—so inviting!

Cook the Soup

Add the celeriac cubes to the pot and stir for another minute to combine with the leeks and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth, and add the fresh thyme. Bring it all to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the celeriac is tender.

Blend to Perfection

Once the celeriac is soft, remove the soup from heat. You can either use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Puree until the soup is completely smooth and velvety. If you want it extra creamy, stir in a splash of heavy cream at this stage.

Toast the Bread

While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice your bread and arrange the slices on a baking sheet. Top each slice with a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. Bake the toasts in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the smooth, velvety soup into bowls, and top each bowl with a cheesy, crispy toast. For a finishing touch, garnish with a few more thyme leaves. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, delicious combination of flavors and textures!

How to Serve Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions if you want to pair it with a few sides:

Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will add a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, squash, or Brussels sprouts make an excellent side that complements the earthy flavors of the soup.

Crusty Bread: If you’re not a fan of Gruyère toasts (though I can’t imagine why!), serve with extra crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Additional Tips

Vegan Option: To make this soup vegan, simply swap the cream for coconut milk or omit it entirely. You can also use a dairy-free cheese alternative for the toasts.
Make Ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Just reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve.

Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and reheat slowly when ready to enjoy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make it a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat on the stove. The flavors will deepen overnight!

Q2: Can I use a different cheese for the toasts?
A2: Definitely! Gruyère is a great choice, but you can also try cheddar, Parmesan, or even a mix of cheeses.

Q3: Can I use frozen celeriac?
A3: Fresh celeriac is best for texture and flavor, but if you need to use frozen, just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q4: Can I make this soup spicier?
A4: If you love a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it simmers.

Q5: What can I serve this soup with?
A5: Aside from the thyme and Gruyère toasts, this soup pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple side of more crusty bread for dipping.

This Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts is the epitome of comfort, with flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re curling up on a cold evening or impressing guests at a dinner party, this soup is sure to hit the spot!